railing

noun

rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ How to pronounce railing (audio)
1
: a barrier consisting of a rail and supports
2
: rails
also : material for making rails

Examples of railing in a Sentence

He leaned on the deck's railing and watched the sun set. they had to put a childproof railing on the balcony when the baby started walking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brunson would hop over the railing to confront Haliburton and ultimately set up an intense moment in front of the screaming New York-partisan crowd. Jason Jones, New York Times, 20 May 2025 The fall occurred Thursday afternoon from the apartment's private balcony, which has protective glass, not a railing, according to Montgomery County police spokesperson Shiera Goff. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 16 May 2025 Goff also said the balcony had protective glass instead of a railing. Abigail Adams, People.com, 16 May 2025 The planters lining the railings and steps are filled with LEGO flowers and faux greenery. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for railing

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of railing was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Railing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/railing. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

railing

noun
rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ How to pronounce railing (audio)
1
: a barrier (as a fence) consisting of rails and their supports
2
: material for rails

More from Merriam-Webster on railing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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